Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts

13 May 2017

Lauren Daigle Album How Can it Be (Songs 13-17)





13. Now Is Forever

Lyrics:

I need to see You turn this water into wine
I need to see Your kingdom come with my own eyes
Take anything You want, I'll hand it over
Now what to hold and what to leave behind
I wanna let forever in
Show me the moment where I end and You begin
I wanna be where heaven is
Oh stay with me until now is forever
Take the treasure and the trial I cast them off
Till I am holding on to nothing but the cross
Depending on the Love that won me over
Surrender in the Light to keep control
I wanna let forever in
Show me the moment where I end and You begin
I wanna be where heaven is
Oh stay with me until now is forever
Awake, awake my soul
Awake till now
Cause I have known
I wanna let forever in
I wanna let forever in
Show me the moment where I end and You begin
I wanna be where heaven is
Oh stay with me, stay with me
I wanna let forever in
Show me the moment where I end and You begin
I wanna be where heaven is
Oh stay with me until now is forever


14. Wordless

Lyrics:

There isn't any fear here, there isn't any fear in love
When You come, when You come
There isn't any hurt here, that you don't overwhelm
When You come, when You come, oh
I am speechless but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless but I can't stay silent
Oh, oh
There isn't any rush here
So I'm just gonna wait on You
And linger longer oh
Cause every time I find You I'm a little more undone
When You come, when You come
I am speechless, but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless, but I can't stay silent
Oh I'm lost for words to say
Oh You take my breath away
Oh you move me and I can't defy it
You consume me and I can't describe it
I am speechless but I can't keep quiet
And I am wordless but I can't stay silent, silent, whoa
Whoa, I'm lost for words to say
Whoa, You take my breath away
There isn't any fear here, there isn't any fear in love


15. First (Deluxe Sessions)

Lyrics:

Before I bring my need I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares I will lift my arms
I wanna know You I wanna find You
In every season in every moment
Before I bring my need I will bring my heart
And seek You
First I wanna seek You, I wanna seek You
First I wanna keep You, I wanna keep You
First More than anything I want, I want You
First
Before I speak a word let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain let me feel Your joy, oh
I wanna know You, I wanna find You
In every season in every moment
Before I bring my need I will bring my heart
And seek You
First I wanna seek You, I wanna seek You
First I wanna keep You, I wanna keep You
First, more than anything I want, I want You
First
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before I seek You First
First I wanna seek You, I wanna seek You
First I wanna keep You, I wanna keep You
First more than anything I want, I want You
First, first


16. Come Alive (Dry Bones) (Deluxe Sessions)

Lyrics:

Through the eyes of men it seems there's so much we have lost
As we look down the road where all the prodigals have walked
And one by one the enemy has whispered lies and led them off as slaves
But we know that You are God, Yours is the victory
We know there is more to come that we may not yet see
So with the faith You've given us we'll step into the valley unafraid, yeah
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
And we call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Come up out of the ashes let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive
Oh God of endless mercy God of unrelenting love
Rescue every daughter bring us back the wayward son
By Your Spirit breathe upon them show that You alone can save
You alone can save
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
And we call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Come up out of the ashes let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive, Yeah
So breathe oh breath of God now breathe, breath of God
Breathe oh breath of God, now breathe
Oh breathe, breath of God now breathe, oh breath of God
Breathe, oh breath of God, now breathe
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
And we call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Come up out of the ashes let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive, yeah
We call out to dry bones come alive


17. How Can it Be (Live)

Lyrics:

I am guilty
Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become
These hands are dirty, I dare not lift them up to the Holy One
You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free
How can it be? How can it be?
I've been hiding
Afraid I've let you down, inside I doubt
That You could love me
But in Your eyes there's only grace now
Though I fall You can make me new
From this death I will rise with You
Oh the grace reaching out for me
How can it be?
How can it be?

12 May 2017

Best Christian Songs By Type And Genre


I've published a lot of lists of favorite Christian songs by Holy day or genre. Here are the all of them together so that you can see what Christian music there is out there to match your style. The links below link to pages which have sample sounds, lyrics and iTunes portals to each song.


Songs by Holiday

Songs that make these important days about what is important: Jesus!


Christian Easter Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Because He Was by Matt Maher
  • Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed by Keith and Kristyn Getty 
  • Forever by Kari Jobe
  • The Power of The Cross by Stuart Townend
  • Rise Again by Dallas Holm


Christian Christmas Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Breath Of Heaven by Amy Grant
  • Joseph's Lullaby by MercyMe
  • Mary Did You Know by Clay Aiken
  • The Christmas Shoes by NewSong
  • Light Of The  World by Lauren Daigle


Christian Thanksgiving Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Give Thanks by Don Moen
  • I Am So Blessed by Karen Drucker
  • He Has Made Me Glad by Maranatha
  • Enough by Chris Tomlin
  • I Thank You by Geron Davis


Songs by Genre

Great Christian songs by great artists. This listed is sorted alphabetically. Click the links below to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.



Christian Blues Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • We Will Stand by Russ Taff
  • People Get Ready by Darrell Mansfield
  • All My Days by Glenn Kaiser
  • Sampson And Delilah by Ashley Cleveland


Christian Country Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Mercy Built A Bridge by The Hinsons
  • Rise Again by Dallas Holm
  • On My Knees by Bob Carlisle
  • I Can Only Imagine by Emerson Drive
  • The Proof Of Your Love by For King And Country


Christian Contemporary Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Through Your Eyes by Britt Nicole
  • Indescribable by Kierra Sheard
  • Eye Of The Storm by Ryan Stevenson
  • Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath
  • Soul On Fire by Third Day


Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs Include:


  • Warfare by Matthew Parker
  • I need You by Kronicles
  • Wings by Jacob Stanifer
  • Battle by Har Megiddo
  • Alive by Swedish Revolution


Christian Drum And Bass Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Guiding Light by Marshall Marshall
  • Never Alone by Transform
  • Two Thirty Six by Goyko
  • Holiday by DJ Vow
  • We Belong As one by Capital Kings


Christian Dance Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • I Got You by Chris Howland
  • Believer by Capital Kings
  • Wide Awake by Joel Vaughn
  • New Level by Spencer Kane



Christian EDM (Electro-Dance Music) Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • This Is Living by Hillsong Young And Free
  • Down In Flames by Matthew Parker
  • This Is Not A Test by Toby Mac
  • Live For The Drop by Capitol Kings
  • Not Backing Down by Blanca



Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • God Is The Peace by Leandro Alencar
  • Next To Me by Chris Howland
  • Changed by Levi Whalen
  • Valley Of Shadows by Jaisua
  • Sinners And Saints by Spark And Shade
  • Nails by Hannah Barnett
  • Blessed Is The Man by Paulo Gomes



Christian Fidget Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • I Can't Quit by Capitol Kings
  • In Your Bass by Gui Brazil
  • We Find by GV3
  • Closer Further by Toxic Emotion
  • Rebellion by Bryson Price



Christian Folk Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
  • Beautiful Things by Gungor
  • I Wish We'd All Been Ready by Larry Norman
  • Great Are You Lord by All Sons And Daughters
  • Wings Of An Eagle by Steve Bell
  • A Page Is Turned by Bebo Norman
  • My One Safe Place by Andrew Peterson
  • My Victory by Crowder



Christian Gospel Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Take My Hand, Precious Lord by Joey and Rory
  • How Great Thou Art by Chris Rice
  • Every Praise by Hezekiah Walker
  • Take Me To The King by Tamela Mann
  • Made A Way by Travis Greene



Christian Hip Hop / Rap Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs Include:

  • Go Hard by Lecrae
  • You Can't Stop Me by Andy Mineo
  • Dear Mr. Christian by Derek Minor
  • That Girl by R-Swift
  • King by Bizzle



Christian House Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • God's Great Dance Floor by Chris Tomlin
  • The Light by Michelle Weeks
  • It Is Well With My Soul by Hypersonic
  • Listen Up by Audicid



Christian Jazz Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Let's Get Quiet by Ben Tankard
  • At The Cross by June April
  • Forever by Quamon Fowler
  • Make Me A Believer by Kirk Whalum



Christian Metal Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • To Hell With The Devil by Stryper
  • Reborn Empowered by Living Sacrifice
  • Death Ascension Resurrection by Impending Doom
  • Broken Chromosomes by Tourniquet
  • Undying by Demon Hunter 



Christian Opera / Classic / Orchestra Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Messiah by Hallelujah
  • St. John Passion by Apollo's Fire, Jeanette Sorrell And Apollo's Singers
  • Christ The Lord Is Risen Today by Amen Choir Of The First Baptist Church And National Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Called To serve by Mack Wilberg, Tab Choir and Orchestra At Temple Square


Christian Praise And Worship Songs


Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

  • Oceans by Hillsong United
  • How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin
  • Who Am I by Casting Crowns
  • Come Alive by Lauren Daigle
  • Tell Your Heart To Beat Again by Danny Gokey
  • Thy Will by Hillary Scott And The Scott Family
  • Word Of God Speak by MercyMe
  • King Of The World by Natalie Grant
  • Dance by Jesus Culture
  • Let it Rain by Michael W Smith



Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Love Broke Thru by Toby Mac
  • Live Like You're Loved by Hawk Nelson
  • I Am by Crowder
  • All I Need Is You by Lecrae
  • Even If by MercyMe
  • Never Been A Moment by Micah Tyler
  • stars by Skillet
  • I Have This Hope by Tenth Avenue North



Christian Punk Rock Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Who I Am Hates Who I've Been by Relient K
  • Take Me As I Am by FM Static
  • Invitation To Understanding by MxPx
  • Never Die by Dogwood



Christian Rock Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • Whispers In The Dark by Skillet
  • Take The Bullets Away by We As Human
  • Breathe Into Me by Red
  • Alive by P.O.D.
  • Be My Escape by Relient K



Christian R&B Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • I Smile by Kirk Franklin
  • God In Me by Mary Mary
  • I'm Still here by Mandisa
  • Be The Change by Britt Nicole
  • No Looking Back by Damita



Christian Rave Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Light Is My Home by Carlos Herrera And Artury Pepper
  • Light On by DJ Vow
  • Burning Love by Jesus Loves Electro
  • Heaven by Crystal Rome


Christian Reggae

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • By True by Christafari
  • No Stopping Us by Dominic Balli
  • Right With You by Ryan Mark
  • Jesus Be A Fence by E-Maculet


Christian Techno Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs Include:

  • Faithfulness by DJ Tony Foxx
  • I Belong To You by G-Powered
  • You Are Loved by Rebecca St. James
  • Come On by Andy Hunter
  • In My Arms by Plumb
  • Work by Washington Projects


Christian Trap Songs

Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:


  • I Luh God by Erica Campbell
  • Trap Money by Flame
  • Sinners by Deitrick Haddon
  • Superfriend by Mary Mary



Click to listen, see lyrics or purchase songs.

Songs include:

  • Like David by Audile
  • Trust by G-Powered
  • Cover Me by Matthew J Bently
  • I Am Yours by Matthew Parker
  • As You Are by Nalini Tranquim


If there is a a missing music genre that you would like me to publish Christian songs for, please let me know in the comments.

11 May 2017

5 Christian Easter Songs



1. Because He Lives

Artist: Matt Maher

Lyrics:

I believe in the Son
I believe in the risen One
I believe I overcome
By the power of His blood
Amen amen
I’m alive I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
I was dead in the grave
I was covered in sin and shame
I heard mercy call my name
He rolled the stone away
Amen amen
I’m alive I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
Every fear is gone
I know He holds my life my future in His hands
Amen amen
I’m alive I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Amen amen
I’m alive I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
Because He lives


2. Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed

Artist: Keith and Kristyn Getty

Lyrics:

How can it be, the One who died
Has borne our sin through sacrifice
To conquer every sting of death
Sing, sing hallelujah
For joy awakes as dawning light
When Christ’s disciples lift their eyes
Alive He stands their Friend and King
Christ, Christ He is risen
Christ is risen He is risen indeed
Oh sing hallelujah
Join the chorus sing with the redeemed
Christ is risen He is risen indeed
Where doubt and darkness once had been
They saw Him and their hearts believed
But blessed are those who have not seen
Yet sing hallelujah
Once bound by fear now bold in faith
They preached the truth and power of grace
And pouring out their lives they gained
Life, life everlasting
The power that raised Him from the grave
Now works in us to powerfully save
He frees our hearts to live His grace
Go tell of His goodness
He’s alive, He’s alive!
Heaven’s gates are opened wide
He’s alive, He’s alive
Now in heaven glorified


3. Forever

Artist: Kari Jobe

Lyrics:

The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated!
Forever He is glorified
Forever He is lifted high
Forever He is risen
He is alive, He is alive
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
Forever He is glorified
Forever He is lifted high
Forever He is risen
He is alive, He is alive
You have overcome
You have overcome
You have overcome
You have overcome


4. The Power of The Cross

Artist: Stuart Townend

Lyrics:

Oh to see the dawn
Of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary
Tried by sinful men
Torn and beaten then
Nailed to a cross of wood
This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross
Oh to see the pain
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Every bitter thought
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow
Now the daylight flees
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head
Curtain torn in two
Dead are raised to life
Finished! The victory cry
Oh to see my name
Written in the wounds
For through Your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death
Life is mine to live
Won through Your selfless love
This the power of the cross
Son of God slain for us
What a love what a cost
We stand forgiven at the cross


5. Rise Again

Artist: Dallas Holm

Lyrics:

Go ahead drive the nails in My hands
Laugh at me where you stand
Go ahead and say it isn't Me
The day will come when you will see
Cause I'll rise again
Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down
Yes I'll rise again
Death can't keep Me in the ground
Go ahead mock My name
My love for you is still the same
Go ahead and bury Me
But very soon I will be free
Cause I'll rise again
Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down
Yes I'll rise again
Death can't keep Me in the ground
Go ahead and say I'm dead and gone
But you will see that you were wrong
Go ahead try to hide the Son
But all will see that I'm the One
Cause I'll come again
Ain't no power on earth can keep me back
Yes I'll come again
Come to take my people back

27 Apr 2017

5 Gospel Songs That We Love


Gospel favorites all around the world.

1. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

Artist: Joey and Rory

Lyrics:

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear, precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home (lead me home)


2. How Great Thou Art

Artist: Chris Rice

Lyrics:

Oh Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
And when I think of God,
His son not sparing,
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden
gladly bearing He bled and died
to take away my sin
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
With humble adoration
And then proclaim My God
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art


3. Every Praise

Artist: Hezekiah Walker

Lyrics:

Every praise is to our God
Every word of worship with one accord
Every praise every praise is to our God
Sing hallelujah to our God
Glory hallelujah is to our God
Every praise every praise is to our God
God my Savior
God my Healer
God my Deliverer
Yes He is, yes He is
Yes He is, yes He is [repeat]
Every praise is to our God.
Every word of worship with one accord
Every praise every praise [repeat]
Is to our God


4. Take Me To The King

Artist: Tamela Mann

Lyrics:

Take me to the King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart is torn in pieces
It’s my offering
Take me to the King
Truth is I'm tired
Options are few
I’m trying to pray
But where are You?
I’m all churched out
Hurt and abused
I can’t fake
What’s left to do?
Truth is I'm weak
No strength to fight
No tears to cry
Even if I tried
But still my soul
Refuses to die
One touch will change my life
Take me to the King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn into pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon your glory
And sing to you this song
Please take me to the King
Truth is it’s time
To stop playing these games
We need a word
For the people’s pain
So Lord speak right now
Let it fall like rain
We're desperate
We’re chasing after You
No rules, no religion
I’ve made my decision
To run to You
The Healer that I need
Take me to the King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn to pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon Your glory
And to sing to You this song
Take me to the King
Lord we’re in the way
We keep making mistakes
Glory is not for us
Its all for You


5. Made A Way

Artist: Travis Greene

Lyrics:

Made a way
Don't know how but yYou did it
Made a way
Standing here not knowing how we'll get through this test
But holding onto faith You know best
Nothing can catch You by surprise
You've got this figured out and You're watching us now
But when it looks as if we can't win
You wrap us in Your arm and step in
And everything we need You supply
You got this in control
And now we know that
You made a way
When our backs were against the wall
And it looked as if it was over
You made a way
And we're standing here
Only because You made a way
You made a way
Now we're here
Looking back on where we come from
Because of You and nothing we've done
To deserve the love and mercy You've shown
But Your grace was strong enough to pick us up
And You made a way
When our backs were against the wall
And it looked as if it was over
You made a way
And we're standing here
Only because you made a way
You move mountains
You cause walls to fall
With Your power
Perform miracles
There is nothing that's impossible
And we're standing here
Only because You made a way
And we're standing here
Only because You made a way
You made a way
You made a way
Don't know how but You did it
Made a way
Don't know how but You did it
Don't know how but You did it
Don't know why but I'm grateful
Don't know why but I'm grateful
You move mountains
You move mountains
You cause walls to fall
You cause walls to fall
You cause chains to break
You cause chains to break
Giants fall
Giants fall
'Cause You move mountains
You move mountains
And everything is easy for You
'Cause You move mountains
Yes You move mountains
Mountains are moving
Mountains are moving
Strongholds are breaking
Strongholds are breaking
'Cause You move mountains
You cause walls to fall
With Your power
With Your power
You perform miracles
You perform miracles
My son is breathing
My son is living
When the doctor said no, You said yes
When they pronounce me dead, You said not yet, ahaha
When they called me dead, You said not yet
You perform miracles
You perform miracles

Be Blessed With These Songs

10 Apr 2017

How to Start a Jesus Revolution in your Community (7 Steps)


I went to a prayer event recently and was astounded by the coming together of an entire community for the name of Jesus. I also realized that it is so easy for people to bring a community together for the name of Jesus, but also that the leaders that have done so are few. Imagine the power and breath of God in our land if everyone came together as a whole for Him? I have decided to show you how easily you can do it. I even broke everything down into 7 easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Pray for Vision

Proverbs 19:21

Many plans are in a person’s mind,
but the LORD’s purpose will succeed.
Common English Bible (CEB)

It is very important for us to come to God and submit all of our plans to Him. If you want to change your community, pray to God. Ask for a vision and that His Will is shown to you. Sometimes all it takes is for us to make ourselves available to God to move powerfully. Once you have prayed to God and have some sort of vision, you might want to organize a big rally, like the example we will use to demonstrate our other steps below.

Step 2: Make a Plan

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Come up with a plan, an objective and a desired outcome. Do you want to bring people together to pray against the crime, drug abuse, or social injustices in your community? Do you want to show the rest of your community that its members dedicate everything to Jesus? Come up with a catchy phrase and a name for your event. Without a clear objective, people might not understand what it is that you're trying to achieve.

The next thing to do is get a vision about where the event should take place and what you want to happen. Now you need to make a list of things that you will need to do the event. Write down things like a place (school field, stadium, sports center), fixings (stage, sound, music, microphone and music system), speakers or prayers (pastors, church leaders, celebrities, names that the community will respond well to), other media (flyers, banners to put around the stage or place around the event), security, staff to help, stalls to provide food to people who come on the day, ways to letting people know about the event.

Once you have a list of what you need, think about how you can get these things; or who can donate them to your cause. You don't need to know all the right people, you already know God! And if you have His blessing, then that's all you need! Modify your list as you go along and make sure to present it in prayer to God for Him to guide and help you. Remember, this is about Jesus and not you.

Make up an agenda that you want to happen at the event. If it is a prayer event, for example; do you want different people to come lead the prayer at different times and do you want pastors to share a few words of encouragement at other times? Imagine the event happening in your head and try to jot down what should happen, when. Make sure to allow time for delays or cancellations as well.

Step 3: Go Out

Matthew 10:14

If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or city.
Common English Bible (CEB)

Once you have a list of things you need, go out and approach people and businesses to donate to your cause. You will be surprised by how many people are willing to support positive community drives. Whether people are willing to give into your cause or not is usually dependent on whether they are convinced that you are genuinely doing this for the community and not for self-gain, and whether they feel like you can actually pull off what you are explaining to them. Practice your pitch before seeing these people. Make sure that you have a plan that you can easily explain to others, and that you have rehearsed explaining it. The chances are high that the people you approach will even have the same desired outcome as you. If you are organizing an event against drug abuse in your community, for example, it is very likely that a lot of the people you approach also want to do something about the problem, but didn't know what or how.

Friends and family are a great way to start and practice your pitch. They might not be able to help you with physical needs (or can they?), but they might know someone who can, or could give you advise or tips to help you on your mission.

An important part of this entire process is prayer. Pray before each person or company you approach and realize that everything is in God's hands. Only He can open or close doors. Once you realize that, you should feel more confident. Remember, if God is for you, who can be against you!

Schools are great to approach for a field or hall to use for you event. If they buy into your vision, they might even let their students and parents know about the event you are planning! If you can't get a school on board, you can also approach sports centers, or stadiums in your area. If you want to do something in a park, ask your local authorities for permission. Whether or not you use a public park, I suggest that you let your local authorities know. You might also want to ask them to provide security for the event.

I would not necessarily want to ask to have it at a church, because you might only attract members of that specific church to the event. Also, some people might refrain from coming because they might feel like your event is a church event, instead of an event for the entire community. However, this is totally up to you and God's prompting.

Go to printing companies to ask for a donation of flyers that you can hand out. Go to media, production, music companies or churches to ask for stage equipment. The trick is to approach as many people as you need to until you get what you need. It might be the first printing place you approach, or the fifth. You might feel embarrassed by doing this, but the end reward is definitely worth it! And if you build up a good relationship with whoever helps you, there is a big chance that they will help you again in the future.

It is a good idea to invite whoever you approach to come to the event; even the people who did not want to donate anything. The people who did give to your cause will be glad to see the fruits of your cause and will be pleased to see that what they donated has benefited the community. At the beginning of the event, be sure to thank everyone who has contributed. By inviting the people who did not want to give to your cause, they might even approach you during the event and ask to sponsor your next one. This is a great way to build up momentum and make each event better than the previous one.

It might take only one big sponsor to pay for all of your needs. You will be surprised how small the world is and how big God is. You might end up with someone somehow hearing about you and asking to sponsor all of your needs for the event. With God at the helm, anything is possible!

Decide beforehand what you will and won't allow from donations and sponsors. Some companies will give you money towards your event if you put a 'sponsored by' and their company details on your pamphlets and stage. Decide what you are and are not willing to do beforehand, so that you don't get carried away when meeting them. You don't want to end up promising more than what you can do for these companies. Some places might even ask if you could do the event under their name. Think about this beforehand to see if you would be prepared to turn 'Joburg Prayer Against Drug Abuse' to 'Jozi Church Prays Against Drug abuse'.

Another good idea is to approach your local radio station or newspaper to tell them about what you are planning. They might also tell their audience about the event. That will be a great way to let people know about your initiative.

Don't be scared to ask for volunteers. If you feel like someone wants to help you but can't donate money or anything physical, ask them to help you with the event itself. Organize regular meetings with your volunteers to pray for God's intervention and keep up to date with what's happening so far. Delegate some of the things you need to do to the volunteers and give them separate tasks. Will you need people to act like ushers and make sure the crowd is seated when the event starts, or people who know how to use the sound equipment that can make sure that the microphones are on?

Another thing you might also need is speakers. If you are hosting a prayer event, go to churches and ask for pastors to come and lead prayers for the event. You will be surprised at how willing pastors will be willing to help. At the prayer rally I was at, there over 50 pastors that came to the event and volunteered their time to pray. Some even preached. Having a variety of people (from different churches or professions) speaking might be more effective than having only one person speaking the whole time. Make sure that whoever does speak at your event understands what you are trying to achieve and has the same vision for the event as you. 

The general rule of thumb is to remember that God is on your side as you go out there, and the more people you approach the better!

Put it all Together

Once you have everything you need, it's time to put it all together. Remember to refer to the plan you made in Step 2 and try stick to it as much as possible. Once you set a date, try your best to stick to it. Moving the date even once will lose a lot of your community's enthusiasm and diminish attendance. Invite people to pray for your event as it all comes together. 

Do Your Bit, But Let God Take Control

Exodus 4:10-11

But Moses said to the Lord, “My Lord, I’ve never been able to speak well, not yesterday, not the day before, and certainly not now since you’ve been talking to your servant. I have a slow mouth and a thick tongue.”
Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives people the ability to speak? Who’s responsible for making them unable to speak or hard of hearing, sighted or blind? Isn’t it I, the Lord?
Common English Bible (CEB)

Keep this event and yourself submitted to God's Will. Realize that this (and everything else) is dependent on God alone. See yourself as simply playing a small part while God is in control of everything, forever and always. God does not want you to take control out of His hands, but rather put it completely in Him.

Acts 2: 1-4

When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Also remember to be open to what God wants to do. He might have a totally different outcome or experience planned. For example, look at the people who gathered to pray before tongues of fire fell upon them. They did not plan it or know about it ahead of time, but God surprised them.

Evaluate and Repeat

Once you have finished your first event. Think about what happened, what you can improve on and what the community will need next. How can you turn the event into a movement that sweeps through your community? Perhaps you want to do these events once a month, each one bigger and better than the rest. Or maybe, you want to invite the participants of the event to do the same thing at a different place? 

Pray for God's Will

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence.
Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.
Common English Bible (CEB)

Jesus needs to be the center point of a Jesus revolution. Make sure that you don't sway from the reason behind your efforts and keep praying to make sure that what you do still centers around God's Will. Once the things you do start making traction, it is easy to get prideful of the difference you make and the waves you have caused. It is also easy to let these things turn into a chase for fame and fortune. Remember to make sure that God is always priority number one.

I would love to hear feedback from anybody that tries this out! Or perhaps there are people that have other tips and tricks to share about starting a Jesus revolution? I look forward to reading your comments below!

2 Apr 2017

How To NOT Be A Lukewarm Christian


The greatest danger might be when you think that everything is fine, or when you are more caught up in day-to-day 'life' than what really matters. Is the mundane and ordinary becoming an enemy of our faith?

Revelations 3: 15-17

I know your works. You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to spit you out of my mouth. After all, you say, ‘I’m rich, and I’ve grown wealthy, and I don’t need a thing.’ You don’t realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked.
Common English Bible (CEB)
  
This is God's message to Laodicea, the last of the seven churches which were addressed. Are we in danger of being lukewarm?


What is a Lukewarm Christian?



I'm sure that everybody has a different opinion on what a lukewarm Christian is. What can't be argued is how God feels about lukewarm people. When I wonder whether I have become a lukewarm Christian, I think about asking myself the following questions:

Am I being prosecuted for being a Christian? 


John 15:18-21


“If the world hates you, know that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘Servants aren’t greater than their master.’ If the world harassed me, it will harass you too. If it kept my word, it will also keep yours. The world will do all these things to you on account of my name, because it doesn’t know the one who sent me.
Common English Bible (CEB)

This is another tough verse. It seems like we are either part of this world's kingdom, or part of God's kingdom. Lukewarm is clearly whatever is in between. I know that I have avoided talking about my faith because someone didn't like the topic or it would make me unpopular. I also know that there are people who know me, but don't even know that I am a Christian. I think those are lukewarm actions. Here it gets worse: I have often avoided opportunities to talk about God because I was in a situation that would me look like a hypocrite. Have you ever stopped yourself from talking about God because your current actions might do more harm than good for Christianity's reputation? This is another sign of being lukewarm. What if we aren't being prosecuted because life has become too comfortable? What if we have built up a nice life for ourselves in our little circle of fellow Christians and church-goes and since we aren't in touch with non-believers often enough; we don't have anyone to prosecute us? Could that be another way of becoming lukewarm? Think about it, lukewarm water might be lukewarm because it is near hot water, and hot water causes the things around it to heat up because the heat from it dissipates to its surroundings. If the heat from our walk with God is not warming up our surroundings, is it because we are lukewarm?

Paul says in 2 Corinthians (Chapter 11) that he was beaten with a rod three times, was stoned (When rocks thrown at you to kill you. They dragged him out of the city afterwards, thinking he was dead), was shipwrecked three times and drifted in the sea for a night and a day. We know that he was tried in court, spent a lot of time in prison and it is believed that he was beheaded for his faith. If he lived the way that I do today, would he have been prosecuted? How does my vigor and dedication to God measure up to Paul's?

Some believe that the early Christians bore the grunt of persecution so that we wouldn't have to. Does that mean that Paul would be happy with our lifestyles if he appeared in our times? Do you think that he would be so spiritually hot that the world would not like him, even now?

Am I Sacrificing Anything?


Romans 12:1

So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service.
Common English Bible (CEB)

1 Peter 2:5

You yourselves are being built like living stones into a spiritual temple. You are being made into a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Common English Bible (CEB)
  
Both of these verses are in the New Testament, after Jesus offered Himself up as the Ultimate Sacrifice. We are called to offer up our lives as living sacrifices. What have you sacrificed to God lately? Are you living a life of sacrifice? Has it been easy to give up your life to God? And if it was easy, was that then true sacrifice? Does stopping sin count as sacrifice? When I try to stop a bad habit, can I call that 'sacrifice' when I am just doing what makes sense? Look at what you sacrifice most of your life to: that is your god.


Am I being an Effective Christian?



Matthew 28:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Common English Bible (CEB)

This is known as the Great Commission, something that every follower of Jesus is instructed to do. It is not possible to avoid being lukewarm AND to avoid the Great Commission at the same time. You cannot be 'hot' while not following this command. This is a good indicator of your spiritual temperature.


So how do you NOT be lukewarm?


Now that we have an idea of what a lukewarm Christian is (very harsh and revealing words indeed), we can look at how to do better. Realizing how lukewarm we have become is one thing, changing is another. Promising to change often doesn't cut it. We need something more that will actually work. That something is JESUS. Here are a few ways to heat it up:

Meaning (Relationship)


Has your spiritual life been reduced to a to-do list? I have always dedicated a quiet time to God every day. I spend this time reading the bible, listening to worship songs or praying. I have caught myself just going through the rituals of reading/singing/talking just to get through it and move on with my life. This can apply to church as well.  Do you just go to church because it is the day and time to do so, and then go back to a normal life when you're done? I think that it's sometimes like we do the minimum requirements to feel like we're still 'in it'. I often read the bible, for example, and totally forget what I've read an hour later. The difference is that God has become a thing to do, instead Someone to meet.
 
I have a friend called Ethan. He is my best friend. I can talk to him for hours. It is not an effort to talk to him. I enjoy his company. I can talk to him about almost anything, like my struggles with work or how I've been feeling lately. It's also nice to catch up with how things are going with him. I'm interested in how well he is doing at work, how it's going with his girlfriend and whether he's slowly but surely reaching the goals he's set for himself. Most of my family has met Ethan. No one at my work has, yet I have spoken about him to almost all of colleagues at work. When someone brings up the weekend, for example, I will add that I'm probably going to go out with him on Friday night. I've also shared many stories about the crazy things we've got up to or funny situations we've landed ourselves in. 
 
Let's compare my relationship with God to my relationship with Ethan. Who do I spend more time with? Who do I open up to more? Who do I talk about more? Who has a bigger impact on my daily life? Scary! I know the creator of the universe who knows everyone and can do anything. Talk about a powerful contact! I have a Father who cares for and protects me. If my physical dad was the owner of the world, I would probably look and act a lot differently. 
 
This shows the difference between imaginary play-play and reality. How real is your relationship with God? Do you really believe that He exists? Or that He is right here, right now? Am I doing a chore, or meeting with God? 

Priority



How high is God on your priority list? What if God demands to be number 1? It's easy to work for 8 hours a day: because you have to survive. It's easy to watch TV for hours: because it satisfies a desire to relax. Where does most of your money go? Where does most of your time go? Where does most of your mental thought go? What part of you does God satisfy daily? What part of you does God want to satisfy daily?
 
Now think about this: How would your life look like if God was priority number one? Would you be happy? Would your life be better? Would the world have positively changed compared to now? Would more people be going to heaven?

Environment


Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen each other’s faces.
Common English Bible (CEB)
 

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds.
Common English Bible (CEB)
 
Have you sharpened someone else lately? And have you been sharpened by someone recently? We underestimate the power that our environment has on us. A big reason why it is easy to become a lukewarm Christian is because our environment is too easy. It is too easy to mix light and darkness without anybody noticing (or noticing). I've seen great results when I was put in an environment where I was forced to stretch. Would I have grown if I wasn't in that environment? Certainly not. I need to actively look for environments where:

I can grow and be sharpened into the powerful offspring of God that I am

And

I can challenge and encourage others to do the same



Purpose


 Exodus 9:16

But I’ve left you standing for this reason: in order to show you my power and in order to make my name known in the whole world.
Common English Bible (CEB)
 

Romans 8:28

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Common English Bible (CEB)
 
 
Do you have a burning purpose that God has placed on your heart? Have you answered the calling that God has called you to? Paul (who we looked at earlier) was passionately driven by the purpose that God gave him. Purpose has the astounding power to turn you from a lukewarm believer into the burning sensation that is changing the world every day. What if God has a purpose for you to fulfill and is waiting for you to be ready for Him to show you? What if you already have this purpose in your heart but time has faded it away?


We are feeble, flimsy people. But that's okay, because God can be the perfect one. He knows that we are not perfect, but He loved us anyway and sent Jesus to pay for our shortcomings. So how do I do all of these things, even when I keep failing? I pray and ask God to help me. I can't do anything without the power of The Holy Spirit. I can pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to move in me and empower me to do His Will, no matter what it is.

I look forward to hearing your response in the comments below.